So, we’ve got really good mobile games and we’ve got the odd Android-powered console that plugs into your TV. The latter hasn’t quite taken off as yet, but how about a wireless controller for your iPhone? One that’ll give you the classic gaming experience?
This is the Stratus, a wireless gamepad that you can use with your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. You can also play on your big TV using the AirPlay Mirroring system via Apple TV, which in effect gives you a console gaming experience and a console gaming controller too. It’s available for £89.99 and there’s a lovely YouTube video below showing a couple of “yoofs” blowing some stuff away on their iPad..
10 hours of battery life, a protective cover, four pressure-sensitive face buttons, four shoulder buttons, two analogue sticks, a 4-way D-pad and USB charging are just some of the features. You merely pair the device via Bluetooth and you’re ready to play.
There’s one word of caution though, it does say that the controller works with “supported games” and, when we clicked on that particular section on their website it didn’t bring anything up. If you’re considering one, definitely check which games are compatible first.
Full press release below..
LAS VEGAS (CES 2014) – Jan. 6, 2014 – SteelSeries, a global leader in the gaming peripherals and accessories market, today introduced the SteelSeries Stratus Wireless Gaming Controller, specifically designed for console-style gameplay on iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® running iOS 7, as well as on your HD TV via AppleTV® using AirPlay® Mirroring from your iOS device with supported games.
“The Stratus Wireless Controller, the first wireless gamepad controller ever to be supported in iOS 7, forever alters the mobile gaming landscape,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “With Stratus, gamers have easy and direct access to a growing roster of great games on iPad that were intended for an immersive, controller-enabled experience. We’re incredibly excited to be the first gaming peripherals company to develop a standalone controller for iOS devices and are thrilled to see an abundance of high quality game titles rolling out from publishers everyday.”
A Game Changer
iOS 7 features embedded controller support—and as a result a new platform of gaming is emerging. For the first time on iOS, developers can create games that use traditional console control schemes to provide for an immersive and challenging gaming experience on iOS devices. The Stratus Controller from SteelSeries is the first Bluetooth controller for iOS devices; its sleek, lightweight design has a comfortable grip with 10+ hours of battery-life and features that are ideal for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch gaming.
Complete Control
The Stratus Controller features a familiar console-style layout with the a pressure-sensitive directional pad (D-pad), 4 pressure-sensitive action buttons and 4 pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons, in addition to dual analog sticks, a dedicated pairing button to connect to iOS devices via Bluetooth and a convenient on/off switch to save on power. The battery life is estimated to be approximately 10 hours on a full charge, with an average full charge time estimated at 2 hours. It charges with an included USB connection cable.
The red LED indicator lights found in the middle of the controller display the number of controllers or player connections during multi-player gameplay – allowing up to 4 controllers to connect to a single device. There are a growing number of game titles available on the App Store that support game controller functionality in iOS 7 and more titles are likely to be added over the coming months.
Pricing & Availability
The SteelSeries Stratus Controller is available beginning today from the Apple Online Store and SteelSeries.com for £89.99.
For more information about the Stratus Controller, please visit http://steelseries.com/stratus.
About SteelSeries
SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of top quality gaming peripherals from headsets, keyboards and mice to controllers, surfaces and software. For more than a decade, SteelSeries has been on the forefront of designing and creating gear for gamers. The company’s continued innovation also comes in collaboration with the world’s leading professional gaming teams and partners. SteelSeries is a global brand that continues to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships and community support. For more information, please visit http://steelseries.com.
